Storage of chemicals

Guidelines for good practice

Section on Prevention in the Chemical Industry

 Storage of chemicals
The International Social Security Association (ISSA) is the worlds leading internatio-
nal institution of its kind, bringing together more than 340 social security institutions
and organisations in more than 145 countries around the world. The aim of the ISSA
is to promote dynamic social security in an increasingly global world by providing Guidelines for good practice
effective support in achieving excellence in all areas of social security. The associati-
on was founded in 1927 and the ISSA Secretariat has its headquarters at the Interna-
tional Labour Organisation (ILO) in Geneva.

The ISSA Chemistry Section is an independent international organisation. Since it

was founded on 17 June 1970, it has been committed to the global prevention of
occupational accidents and diseases in the chemical and related industries. Our
brochures, publications and international lecture programmes provide companies
and their employees with guidance and assistance on safety at work. The ISSA Che-
mistry Section is of particular relevance to the following branches of industry:

Plastics
Rubber
Pharmaceuticals
Lacquer
Paints
Explosives and petroleum

ISSA Chemistry Section

c/o BG RCI (Berufsgenossenschaft Rohstoffe und chemische Industrie)
Kurfrsten-Anlage 62
D-69115 Heidelberg/Germany
T.: +49 6221-5108-0 4th edition 2012
ISBN 92-843-1036-9
www.issa.int/prevention-chemistry
Preface
This brochure provides information on risks related to the storage of chemicals and
gives advice on appropriate precautions.

In the fourth edition of this brochure a complete revision was made and, among others,
the recommendations of the United Nations on the globally harmonized system of
classification and labelling of chemicals (GHS) have been incorporated.

The board of the ISSA Chemistry Section would like to build on the successful distribu-
tion of the previous editions.
6 I V S S | S T O R A G E O F C H E M I C A L S 7

CONTENT

1 INTRODUCTION 8
2 SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES OF THIS BROCHURE 10
3 HAZARDS RELATED TO STORAGE OF CHEMICALS 12
4 ORGANISATION AND OPERATION OF THE STORAGE ROOM 14
Authors, Institutions
4.1 Storage concept 14
and Companies
4.2 Risk Assessment 15
4.3 Basic requirements and measures 16
4.4 Organisational requirements and measures 21
Herbert Bender, Ludwigshafen
4.5 Testing 25
4.6 Operational failures and emergencies 26 Josef Drobits, Vienna
5 PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION 28 Antje Ermer, Heidelberg
5.1 Approval 28 Willy Frei, Lucerne
5.2 Location 29 Annabelle Guilleux, Paris
5.3 Structural fire protection 29 Joachim Sommer, Heidelberg
5.4 Construction Materials 30
5.5 Access and transport routes 30
5.6 Doors and escape routes 31 Austrian Workers Compensation Board
5.7 Storage in the open air 31 (AUVA), Vienna (A)
6 MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES 32
6.1 Lighting and electrical installations 32 BASF SE, Ludwigshafen (D)
6.2 Storage Systems 33
6.3 Retention facilities 34 German Social Accident Insurance
6.4 Ventilation 34 Institution for the Raw Materials and
6.5 Air Conditioning 34
CONTENT

Chemical Industry (BG RCI), Heidelberg (D)

6.6 Fire Fighting 35
6.7 Safety Cabinets 35 French National Research and
6.8 Explosion Protection 36 Safety Institute (INRS), Paris (F)
7 SPECIAL STORAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR HAZARDOUS
SUBSTANCES WITH SPECIFIC PROPERTIES 38
Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund
7.1 Toxic chemicals and CMR- substances 41
(Suva), Luzern (CH)
7.2 Gases and aerosols (aerosol packaging) 42
7.3 Flammable liquids 44
Design
7.4 Flammable solids 45
.puntodesign, Weinheim
7.5 Pyrophoric/Self-heating substances 46
7.6 Chemicals, which emit flammable gases 47
together with water Print
7.7 Oxidizing substances 48 Bonndruck, Bonn
7.8 Corrosive chemicals 49
7.9 Liquids with environmental dangerous properties 50
8 I V S S | S T O R A G E O F C H E M I C A L S 9

1 INTRODUCTION

How are chemicals safely stored?

This question is relevant not only in che-
mical plants; the products in the follo-
wing examples are also chemicals:

Paint and varnishes of a painter work-

shop,
Cleaning and disinfecting agents of a
cleaning company,
Oils, solvents and thinners in a repair UN Recommendations
INTRODUCTION

shop, EU Directive Regulation (EC) on Transport of

Building foams, cement residue remo- 67/548/EEC 1272/2008 (CLP) Dangerous Goods
(UNDG)
ver of a construction company,
Gas bottles with acetylene, oxygen,
liquefied gases of a locksmith.

This brochure shall give a practical guide

to where and how chemicals should be
kept, in particular for small and medium-
sized enterprises.

In the following, general requirements

on the storage of chemicals are descri-
bed. Requirements for hazardous sub-
stances with specific properties are sum-
marized in Chapter 7.

Dangerous substance labelling

in accordance with different
classification systems
10 I V S S | S T O R A G E O F C H E M I C A L S 11

2 SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES

OF THIS BROCHURE

The focus of this brochure is the storage NOTE: In addition to hazar- NOTE: The storage of hazar-
OBJECTIVES
of chemicals, particularly hazardous sub- dous substances which are marked with a dous substances and mixtures in Europe is
stances. symbol or pictogram, there are also che- subject to national regulations, which may
micals that need not be labelled, but can differ in some details.
Hazardous substances are be potentially dangerous. Hazardous sub-
Liquids, stances include waste, depending on the The target group are all people who are
Gases or composition. involved in the storage of chemicals.
Solids, This brochure is aimed primarily at ware-
which may affect This brochure is concerned with the sto- house foremen, and all employed peop-
as pure substances or rage of chemicals in packages or porta- le in the storage facilities. Specific know-
as mixtures ble container up to 1000 Litres. Within ledge of chemistry is not required.
due to their the framework of this brochure, the term
physical-chemical, storage means keeping goods in a place The following items are not in the scope
health endangering or for more than 24 hours, irrespective of of this brochure:
environment endangering the location. Specific measures for explosives, orga-
properties nic peroxides, radioactive and infec-
SCOPE AND

human beings,
the environment or
property values
Usually, hazardous materials are recogni-
zed by their hazard symbols or picto-
grams. The figure on page 9 gives an
overview of possible hazardous material
labels.1
For hazardous substances that are kept
at the workplace or are kept in so-called
temporary storage facilities for the pro-
duction requirements, equivalent pre-
cautions for safe storage should be ta-
ken.
tious substances.
Risks related to transportation (while
the transport labelling is used as an in-
dication of potential danger)
Manual operations such as filling and
decanting or transferring. These go
beyond simple storage and are subject
to specific regulations on the use of
chemicals. These activities will there-
fore be considered only briefly in this
brochure.

1 For symbol/pictogram s meaning see chapter 7

12 I V S S | S T O R A G E O F C H E M I C A L S 13

3 HAZARDS RELATED TO STORAGE

OF CHEMICALS

Risks occur primarily when chemicals are

released as a result of a leakage. POSSIBLE CAUSES

Possible causes are:

1 2 3 4
Mechanical Aging Effects in Open
damage stored goods handling
1 Mechanical damage of containers or
shelves
- In-house transport, possibly in con- PRODUCT RELEASE
junction with inadequate lighting.
- Excessive or risky stacking
- Overloading of shelves
5 6 7 8
- Uneven or sloped floors in the sto- Environmental Property
Fire / Explosion Health hazards
rage room Tilting or tipping of damage damage
stored goods
2 Physically or chemically induced POSSIBLE EFFECTS
aging of the containers or shelves
- Duration of storage Decrease in
elasticity and brittleness of plastics
- Light, particularly UV radiation of a decomposition in thermally 6 Health hazards
HAZARDS

plastics becoming brittle instable products Irritation

- Cold Decrease in elasticity and
brittleness of plastics, metals beco-
ming brittle
- Heat softening of plastics
- Reactive atmosphere Corrosion
of metallic materials
- Interaction of the container materi-
al with stored goods
3 Physically or chemically induced ef-
fects in stored goods
- Cold Crystallization, cracking of
bottles with aqueous solutions,
- Heat Increase of internal pressure
due to vapour pressure, triggering
- Light, particularly UV radiation Poisoning
triggering of violent reactions in Burns/corrosion
substances forming peroxides or Burns due to heat and cold
products, which may polymerise Sensitizing
- Duration of storage (including Breathlessness
transportation time) Triggering of Suffocation
a degradation in thermally instable 7 Environmental damage
products 8 Property damage
4 Open handling
- Filling and decanting In addition to the acute hazards to
- Leaving open health, which are important in case of a
leakage, chronic effects have to be con-
Possible effects are: sidered in the case of prolonged or re-
5 Fire / Explosion peated exposure.
14 I V S S | S T O R A G E O F C H E M I C A L S
4 ORGANISATION AND OPERATION
OF THE STORAGE ROOM
4.1 STORAGE CONCEPT
AND OPERATION
The storage concept represents an over-
all view of all storage safety aspects. It is
used to detect potential safety-related
deficiencies and can be used as a basis
for the approval and licensing procedu-
res. It includes:
a description of local conditions and
surroundings,
ORGANISATION
the characterization of storage room
construction including the fire protec-
tion concept,
the technical and organizational
measures,
the definition of zones for potentially
explosive atmospheres or the refe-
rence to the explosion protection do-
cument,
the type of storage and the definition
of the types of containers to be stored,
properties, quantities and storage
classes of chemicals to be stored.
4.2 RISK ASSESSMENT
The aim of the risk assessment is to iden-
tify all risks for people and the environ-
ment. Derived from these risks, the ne-
cessary protective measures are defined.
The documentation of the risk assess-
ment can be integrated in the storage
concept.
4.2.1 Source of information
The main information sources for risk as-
sessment for the storage of chemicals
are:
labelling,
the actual version of the safety data
sheet,
supplementary information from the
manufacturer,
publications and databases of preven-
tion institutes and organizations,
relevant literature.
15
4.2.2 Work processes and
operating conditions
to be considered
As part of the risk assessment for the sto-
rage of chemicals the following points
should be considered:
Delivery and shipping,
Placing in stock,
Removing goods from stock
Storage,
Transportation inside the storage faci-
lities,
Removing of released chemicals.
Uncleaned empty containers and partial-
ly empty containers require special atten-
tion, as for instance, explosive air-gas mix-
tures can be formed when flammable li-
quids are within these containers. These
vessels have therefore to be treated as if
they were full, but should be stored sepa-
rately from other containers and clearly
labelled.
If chemicals are being filled and transfer-
red, the storage room becomes a work
area. Therefore it has to fulfil the respec-
tive requirements. Depending on the
type of chemicals additional measures
are required.
16 I V S S | S T O R A G E O F C H E M I C A L S
4 ORGANISATION AND OPERATION
OF THE STORAGE ROOM
4.2.3 Potentially explosive
atmospheres2
If mixtures of air and flammable gases, va-
pours, dusts or powders may occur, the
following points must be addressed in the
risk assessment:
the possibilities of the formation of ex-
plosive atmospheres have to be identi-
fied,
potentially explosive areas have to be
declared as Ex- zones and
protective measures have to be esta-
blished.
4.3 BASIC REQUIREMENTS
AND MEASURES
4.3.1 Storage places
and rooms
Chemicals must never be stored in places
where they may lead to an increased dan-
ger to people. Such places are in particu-
lar circulation routes, including stairways,
corridors, emergency exits and escape
routes, narrow passages and narrow
courtyards.
2 Further information on this issue are found in
chapter 6 Machinery, equipment and facilities
17
4.3.2 Requirements for Chemicals must not be stored in contai-
containers and ners or packages that could be mixed-
packaging up due to their form or labels with con-
tainers or packages which contain food.
Containers and packaging for chemicals
must be sufficiently resistant against me-
chanical, thermal and chemical impact
related to (internal) transport and sto-
rage.
These requirements for example met, if
the packaging or container require-
ments for the transport of dangerous
goods are fulfilled (transport packaging
according to ADR / RID).
Chemicals should be stored in original
containers. If chemicals are not stored in
original containers, it has to be ensured,
that storage containers are suitable and
Escape routes must not be blocked correctly labelled. Hazardous materials
shall be stored only in closed packages
or containers.
Inappropriate places for storage are,
among others, recreation areas, standby As a minimum the substance name
staff rooms, restrooms, medical stations must be indicated on each container or
or daytime accommodation, residential package. In addition, hazardous sub-
and retail rooms as well as basements of stances and preparations/mixtures must
residential buildings. be labelled with the respective hazard Chemicals should be stored in original
symbol (pictogram) as well as the ha- containers
zards phrases, and precautionary state-
ments. Packaging and containers that are provi-
ded with upward labels must be stored
accordingly.
18 I V S S | S T O R A G E O F C H E M I C A L S
4 ORGANISATION AND OPERATION
OF THE STORAGE ROOM
4.3.3 Stack height
The maximum stack height must be
chosen so that there is no risk of falling
containers. The following points must be
taken into account:
Stacking restrictions for certain pac-
kages (e.g. for cantilevered IBC),
The mechanical stability of the bot-
tom container in relation to the load
above (especially for carton/card-
board packaging),
the mechanical resistance of the con-
tainer at the top in the case of falling
(especially for bottles),
The risk to workers by tilting stacks (in
particular due to mechanical damage
of the container at the bottom).
It is recommended to limit the stack
height to 3 Metres.
4.3.4 Storage Plan /
Stock List
To manage the warehouse a storage
plan with detailed information on the lo-
cation and the amounts of different che-
micals has to be established. In the event
of fire or leakage the plan will allow to
quickly determining the type of stored
products and the exact quantities.
Containers must be fixed
The storage plan should include:
Description of stored chemicals,
Classification of chemicals or data re-
lated to their hazardous properties,
The maximum total storage volume
and the actual quantity, sorted by
meaningful risk criteria, for instance,
by hazard class, substance class, sto-
rage class,
Indication of the storage compart-
ments, which contain the different
chemicals.
4.3.5 Combined storage
Chemicals may not be stored together, if
this increases the risk. For instance when,
different extinguishing agents are
needed3,
different temperature conditions are
required,
the simultaneous release and interac-
tion may result in the formation of
flammable or toxic gases.
3 The use of the wrong extinguishing agents in the
case of fire fighting dangerous reactions may be
triggered with the extinguishing agent. This is es-
pecially relevant when storing chemicals together,
which require different extinguishing agents, as the-
re might not be the adequate extinguishing agents
for all chemicals.
19
NOTE: Information on com-
bined storage and incompatibilities with
other chemicals are found usually in the
products safety data sheets in sections
7 Handling and Storage, 10 Stability and
Reactivity 15 Regulatory Information and
16 Additional information. Information
about the reactivity of hazardous sub-
stances with specific properties can also be
evaluated in test laboratories.
Drugs, food or animal feed, cosmetics
and stimulants must not be stored in the
same area as toxic and very toxic chemi-
cals (acute toxic substances of category
1-3), carcinogenic, mutagenic and repro-
ductive toxic4 chemicals.
All other substances must not be stored
in the immediate vicinity. It is recom-
mended to observe a minimum distance
of 2 meters.
4 Toxic reproduction toxic means impairment of
fertility as well as harm to the unborn child.
20 I V S S | S T O R A G E O F C H E M I C A L S
4 ORGANISATION AND OPERATION
OF THE STORAGE ROOM
Storing chemicals with different hazar-
dous properties together may lead to
dangerous reactions in case of simulta-
neous leakage and mixing. For instance:
Chemicals may react with each other
and produce toxic gases, like acids
and chlorites.
Acids and bases could violently react
with each other and cause splashes.
Contact of flammable and oxidizing
chemicals may cause fires or even ex-
plosions.
Such incompatible chemicals must be
kept separately from each other. Fur-
thermore, measures must be taken to
prevent that they come in contact in the
case of a leakage. Depending on the
stored quantity containers have to be
placed in separate catch pans or in diffe-
rent storage compartments separated
by fire walls.
When preparing goods for delivery and
commissioning, the mixed loading rules
for transportation have to be observed.
4.3.6 Managing the residence
time in a storage area
Due to the chemical instability of some
substances and the limited life of pac-
kaging and containers, the exchange of
goods in a storage area must be ma-
naged rigorously. As far as possible, the
stored stocks have to be demand-driven
and the oldest product the first to be
used (First In First Out policy).
Storage in order
4.4 ORGANISATIONAL
REQUIREMENTS AND
MEASURES
4.4.1 Responsibilities
and tasks
Employer
The employer is responsible for the safe-
ty and health of employees and the pro-
tection of the environment. This inclu-
des but is not limited to:
Development of the storage concept
and carrying out a risk assessment.
Maintaining contacts to authorities.
Compliance with safety regulations
and control of the specific storage
conditions required by the properties
of products, for instance, by inspec-
tions with safety officers and security
personnel.
Assignment of a logistic manager with
appropriate qualification in chemical
product safety and/or transport of
dangerous goods.
Selection of suitable employees and
care for their further training.
Collection of information on the ma-
terial properties. For all stored hazar-
dous substances updated safety data
sheets must be available and acces-
sible to employees.
Provision of personal protective
equipment to employees and
21
enforcement of regular maintenance
for this equipment.
Logistic manager
By delegation from the employer the fol-
lowing tasks arise and apply to the logi-
stic manager:
inform the employer, if the informati-
on related to storage in the safety data
sheets is not sufficient or if a risk as-
sessment needs to be accomplished
or updated.
Implement and control the measures
resulting from the risk assessment.
Check the labelling of incoming con-
tainers and compare it with the ship-
ping documents.
Check incoming and stored container
for damage or leakage and if necessa-
ry, take corrective actions.
Set-up and update the storage plan.
Establish operating instructions and
train the employees.
Develop an emergency plan and keep
it up to date.
Check safety installations and systems
regularly, initiate tests if necessary.
22 I V S S | S T O R A G E O F C H E M I C A L S 23

4 ORGANISATION AND OPERATION

OF THE STORAGE ROOM

Employees 4.4.2 Operating instructions 4.4.3 Safe Behaviour

For employees, the following tasks apply:
Carry out the work meticulously in ac-
cordance with the standard operating
procedures and instructions.
Use and maintain personal protective
equipment.
Inform immediately the manager
about incidents, near-misses and safe-
ty relevant observations, such as da-
maged packaging, spills, fires and ac-
cidents.
Support the employer in matters of
health and occupational safety.
and training
For storage and related activities written
operating instructions must be available.
Employees should be trained by the su-
pervisors on the basis of these operating
instructions. Contents of operating instruc-
tions/manuals/guidelines and related trai-
ning are:
Labelling of hazardous chemicals.
Risks associated with the handling of
hazardous chemicals.
Technical, organizational and perso-
nal protection measures and rules for
safe behaviour.
Advice on rules for combined storage.
Emergency procedures, for instance,
instructions in the event of a leakage
or a fire.
First-aid measures.
Disposal of waste products.
Measures that must be observed by the
employees should be included in the
operating instructions. Furthermore, it is
essential that:
smoking is prohibited in the storage area.
appropriate signs on the wearing of
personal protective equipment are
posted.
food, beverages and stimulants are
not consumed in the storage area.
hand washing is mandatory before
breaks.
access to the storage area is con-
trolled depending on the properties
of chemicals stored.
warnings on special risks such as fire
and explosion are displayed.
ignition sources, which can lead to fi-
res or explosions are avoided. Auxiliary
materials and waste may act, as well,
as effective ignition sources (for in-
stance, oil-soaked rags).
containers and packages are not da-
maged and fire protection installati-
ons are not destroyed or limited in
their function when moving goods in
the storage area.

Operating instructions can be created

Operating instructions give advice for a
safe handling of chemicals
for specific chemicals as well as for
groups of substances with similar pro-
perties.
Other hazards arising from storage ope-
rations, for instance, due to the use of
forklifts, must also be considered in the
training programs.

Warning and advice labels

24 I V S S | S T O R A G E O F C H E M I C A L S
4 ORGANISATION AND OPERATION
OF THE STORAGE ROOM
4.4.4 Hygiene
The employer must provide the necessa-
ry resources for the personal hygiene of
workers. These include:
Sanitary facilities,
Washing bins and, if possible, showers
Recreation rooms,
Facilities to keep working clothes se-
parated from private clothes, where a
risk of contamination prevails.
Working clothes contaminated with
chemicals must not be worn in clean
areas such as offices, seminar rooms or
canteens.
Storage rooms must be cleaned re-
gularly, for instance, by hoovering.
Sweeping with the broom has to be
avoided, as this raises up dust particles.
Dust deposits are preferably removed
with industrial vacuum cleaners or va-
cuum sweepers. The type of vacuum
cleaner and the filter quality has to be
selected depending on the substance
properties.
25
4.4.5 Personal Protective 4.5 TESTING
Equipment
Storage facilities must be checked initial- Hearing checks, for instance, listening
ly and periodically in appropriate inter- for dropping liquids or trickling solids..
vals to ensure adequate functioning, re-
liability and effectiveness. Checklists for testing of safety measures
may be a useful tool.
As suitable complementary organizatio-
nal measures, daily function controls can
Despite technical and organizational sa- be applied, including:
fety measures wearing of appropriate Visual checks, for instance, on good
personal protective equipment (PPE) operational condition of openings for
may be required, for instance, for conta- ventilation,
minated containers, during storage
above head height and leakage. The
protective equipment (depending on Facility Testing parameters
particular requirements: protective
gloves, safety shoes, helmet, safety glas-
ses, goggles, face shield, protective clo- Storage containers Mechanical integrity and tightness
thing, respirators) must be appropriate
for the task and the potentially released
Compliance with maximum loads for shelves
chemicals and it must be made available
Storage facilities and bays with hazardous material containers,
to all potentially exposed workers.
mechanical integrity of shelves
Protective equipment must be worn by
the employees according to instruc-
Retention facilities Mechanical integrity and tightness of catch basins
tions; the supervisor has to control com-
pliance with this rule.
Tightness and absence of corrosion of solvent
For the proper functioning regular main- Disposal facilities
waste containers
tenance (and cleaning if necessary) is re-
quired. Defective PPE must be replaced
and safely disposed by the employer. Ventilation equipment Mechanical integrity of ventilation ducts
26 I V S S | S T O R A G E O F C H E M I C A L S 27

4 ORGANISATION AND OPERATION

OF THE STORAGE ROOM

4.6 OPERATIONAL FAILURES The Emergency Plan must be posted 4.6.2 Actions in case appropriate measures. When only small
AND EMERGENCIES clearly visible in the storage area. of leakage amounts of liquid are spilled, a suitable
absorption agent may be used. The coll-
4.6.1 Emergency Plan Depending on the size of the warehouse If chemicals are released, the measures ected waste must be disposed properly.
and the stored chemicals, regular exerci- defined in operating instructions must
Each storage facility must have an emer- ses must be carried out to train people in be followed and if necessary the super-
gency plan where the sequence of ac- the alarm and emergency procedures. visor must be informed. 4.6.3 Consultation
tions to be taken in case of fire, accident People should be made familiar with the For removing and cleaning up chemicals with authorities
and product release / leakage is clearly correct behaviour in case of a chemical the required personal protective equip-
defined. release, a fire or another emergency. ment (e.g. gloves, safety shoes, goggles, Depending on the hazard potential of
They should know how to escape or be face shield, protective clothing, respira- the storage, it is necessary to involve the
When storing chemicals, with a high ha- rescued. The necessity to perform emer- tors) must be used. authorities in the emergency planning.
zard potential, such as highly toxic and gency exercises and the respective inter- The need for joint planning has to be
toxic chemicals (acutely toxic substances vals have to be defined in the risk assess- Contamination of the sewer system discussed with the fire department or
of category 1-3), carcinogenic, mutage- ment. with chemicals must be prevented by any other competent authority.
nic and reproductive toxic, as well as,
flammable or oxidising, the following in-
formation should be included in the
emergency plan:
Information on fire alarms, safety
equipment, emergency exits and
escape routes, assembly point, and
the head-count in case of an evacuati-
on.
Sequence of actions to be carried out .
Phone list containing the numbers of:
emergency services, fire brigade and
police, hospital, physician, Toxicology
Centre.
Phone numbers of the plant manager,
supervisor and other people having
operational responsibility.

Adsorbant and spill cover

28 I V S S | S T O R A G E O F C H E M I C A L S
5 PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION
CONSTRUCTION Depending on the type and amount of
chemicals, the storage area must be lo-
cated in specially designated buildings.
Warehouses for chemical storage should
not be built close to residential areas.
5.1 APPROVAL
The storage of chemicals may generate a
PLANNING AND
risk to the environment. Therefore, a sto-
rage facility has usually to be approved
by authorities. Type and quantity of che-
micals determine if the storage is subject
to national legislation and if the approval
or authorization process is required.
As a rule, compliance with certain mini-
mum requirements for storage design
and operation is required, to obtain an
operating licence.
5.2 LOCATION
The selected location must meet certain
geological requirements: the chemical
warehouse must be on firm standing
ground, moreover, it must be protected
against flooding.
When storing temperature-sensitive
chemicals and liquids with high vapour
pressure excessive heating should avo-
ided, for instance, by orientating the sto-
rage area to the north.
Storage activities should preferably be
performed at ground level; otherwise
this point has to be specially considered
in the risk assessment.
Chemicals may only be stored in wor-
king areas, if the safety of people is not
jeopardized and if special facilities, such
as safety cabinets for chemicals are avai-
lable. On the other hand, the storage
areas should not be placed too far away
from the rooms where the chemicals are
used, such that there will be no need for
interim storage and hazards related to
internal transport of chemicals is minimi-
zed.
29
5.3 STRUCTURAL
FIRE PROTECTION
The storage room must be constructed
with non-combustible materials; ope-
nings (doors and windows) must meet
fire protection requirements. The buil-
ding must withstand the effects of an ex-
ternal fire, like flying embers and radiati-
on for a sufficient period of time.
If there is a risk of poisoning or suffocati-
on due to fumes, smoke and heat ven-
ting facilities must be installed.
Storage areas have to be equipped with
adequate and appropriate fire fighting
equipment (e.g. fire extinguishers, fire
hydrants, and fire extinguishing sy-
stems). If fire fighting measures are not
automatically triggered, they should be
clearly marked easily accessible and
simple to operate. Attack routes for fire
brigade must be labelled and designed
to allow a fast access with fire fighting
equipment.
A sufficient amount of extinguishing wa-
ter must be available. If stored chemicals
require the use of other extinguishing
agents, these have to be already availab-
le on-site and in sufficient quantity.
30 I V S S | S T O R A G E O F C H E M I C A L S
5 PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION
Extinguishing water lines, sprinkler
heads or smoke detectors must be in-
stalled such that they are not damaged
during storage and retrieval of the stored
goods.
With appropriate measures for retention
of extinguishing water, contamination of
the environment or the sewage drains
has to be prevented.
Buildings must have a suitable lightning
protection.
5.4 CONSTRUCTION
MATERIALS
Depending on the stored chemicals,
chemical-resistant materials must be
selected and
Surfaces have to be easy to clean and
antiskid,
The floor coating has to be tight for wa-
ter and chemicals,
The floor must be designed so that re-
leased liquids (including liquefied gas)
are prevented from flowing away in an
uncontrolled way,
The storage rooms have to be equipped
with drains that are not directly leading
into the sewage system.
5.5 ACCESS AND
TRANSPORT ROUTES
Access to chemical storage and traffic
routes must be designed so that the sto-
rage and retrieval of products, as well as,
the rapid intervention of emergency ser-
vices is possible without complications.
Stairs and steps directly in front of the
storage entrance have to be avoided.
Doors and corridors must be wide
enough to support the safe manoeu-
vring of trolleys, and, if necessary, allow
the operation of forklifts.
Access to chemical storage should be
permitted only to authorized people.
Traffic routes within the storage must be
marked.
Opening of emergency exit doors from
quiring any key (for instance, using anti-
open outwards.
5.6 DOORS AND ESCAPE
ROUTES
Signs for escape routes
The number of emergency exits and the
maximum length of the escape routes is
defined depending on the chemicals
stored and the storage size.
To ensure a quick evacuation of people
in case of an emergency, all emergency
exits and escape routes must be clearly
labelled and kept clear at all times.
the inside must be easy and without re-
panic bars). The emergency exits must
The storage area must not be accessible
bined storage, adequate safety distances
31
5.7 STORAGE IN
THE OPEN AIR
Chemicals may be stored in the open
air/outdoors,
if the containers are weather- and wa-
ter-proof, or,
if the storage locations are roofed ade-
quately.
Hazardous chemicals must not be
washed away by rain water into drains or
to the environment. Rain water drains
must be equipped with shutters so that
they can be closed in case of an acci-
dent.
to unauthorized people
For chemicals with restrictions for com-
have to be kept.
The rules for storage in building shall be
applied in an analogous way.
32 I V S S | S T O R A G E O F C H E M I C A L S
6 MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT
AND FACILITIES
6.1 LIGHTING AND ELECTRICAL
MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT
AND FACILITIES
INSTALLATIONS
In the storage area, sufficient lighting
has to be provided. The lamps must be
mounted in a way that heating of the
stored goods is avoided, particularly if
this may lead to a dangerous reaction.
The lighting should be designed so that
all storage locations are clearly visible
and that labels/symbols are easily legib-
le. A luminance of 300 lux is recommen-
ded. Lamps should be positioned in the
aisles between the shelves.
NOTE: Since lighting and
electrical installations are to be considered
as ignition sources, they must be appro-
priately certified when installed in Ex-Zo-
nes.
6.2 STORAGE SYSTEMS
Shelves and cabinets should preferably
consist of non-flammable materials.
They must have the required chemical
resistance to the stored goods and me-
chanical stability according the design
load. They must be mounted in a stable
way, e.g. fixed at the wall). The maximum
shelf load must be clearly indicated.
Indication of shelf loads
33
Shelves must be built preventing the
drop of the products. Packaging and
containers - especially if they may break
- should be stacked and secured, such
that they cannot fall from the shelves.
Storage cubicles should not be too deep
in order to ensure that stored products
remain clearly visible and easily accessible.
The containers must be stored in shel-
ves, cabinets and other facilities only up
to a height which allows safe storage
and removal. If necessary, the use of fork
lifts or auxiliary devices such as steps,
ladders or platforms may have to be
used. It is important to ensure that
within a shelf, the heaviest loads are
placed at the bottom.
When using vehicles such as forklifts or pic-
king devices, an adequate collision guard
must be installed around the shelves.
34 I V S S | S T O R A G E O F C H E M I C A L S
6 MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT
AND FACILITIES
6.3 RETENTION FACILITIES
Chemicals must be stored so that a
leakage can be easily identified and that
the released substances can be absor-
bed and removed. This is achieved, for
instance, with a bund, basin or a similar
collection space made of chemically re-
sistant material. Such a retention sy-
stems must not be directly connected to
the sewage drains. The capacity has to
be adjusted to the stored volume. It is
useful to provide a pump sump, so that
in the event of a leakage, the pumping
action can be easily performed.
For small spills of liquids, a suitable ab-
sorbent material should be available and
easily accessible (see also section 4.6.2
Actions in case of leakage).
6.4 VENTILATION
The storage rooms must have a ventilati-
on system to ensure that no hazardous
conditions for people are generated du-
ring normal operation and in the event
of a credible product leakage.
Natural ventilation is possible if the size
and location of openings ensure a suf-
ficient air draft.
6.5 AIR CONDITIONING
Frost or high temperatures may affect
some products and container materials
leading to irreversible changes or dama-
ge or to a pressure build-up. Information
on safe storage temperatures can be
found in section 7 of products safety
data sheets . These conditions must be
taken into account.
If portable heaters are used in the sto-
rage area, it is necessary to perform a
specific risk assessment. In particular, ra-
diation heaters must be located and
operated in a way which does not result
in a punctual or increased localized hea-
ting of the stored goods.
warehouse and possibly on the site must
35
6.6 FIRE FIGHTING 6.7 SAFETY CABINETS
Safety cabinets are used to store closed
containers containing chemicals and
may also be placed in workrooms. They
are particularly suitable for the storage of
flammable liquids.
Signs for fire fighting
Fire prevention measures must focus on
the avoidance of ignition sources, the
quick control of an emerging fire and the
evacuation of people.
In the event of a fire, the emergency ser-
vices must be alarmed immediately with
smoke or fire alarms, emergency push-
buttons or telephones and people in the
be warned.
In addition, extinguishing agents must
be available inside and outside the sto-
rage area. These are, for instance, pow-
der or carbon dioxide fire extinguishers. Safety cabinet for flammable liquids
36 I V S S | S T O R A G E O F C H E M I C A L S
6 MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT
AND FACILITIES
The safety requirements for solvent cabi-
nets are met if they fulfil the EN 14470-1
(Fire safety storage cabinets - Part 1: Sa-
fety storage cabinets for flammable li-
quids). If possible, safety cabinets should
be connected to the ventilation system.
The doors of safety cabinets must always
close by themselves. This function must
be tested regularly.
Any leakage of liquids must be collected
in the safety cabinet and then quickly
identified and removed. The drip pan of
a safety cabinet must be able to collect
10% of the volume of all stored vessels or
the volume of the largest vessel, whiche-
ver larger.
6.8 EXPLOSION PROTECTION
NOTE: In this chapter only
the very basic measures for explosion pro-
tection for storage of chemicals are out-
lined. Further details on the numerous
measures required in an explosion protec-
tion concept can be taken from the ISSA
brochures on Explosion Protection. formation of an explosive atmosphere
Flammable gases, flammable liquids
and their vapours as well as dusts of
combustible solids, can form an ex-
plosive atmosphere with air, in case of
leakages and especially during trans-
fer. In the presence of ignition sources,
such as hot surfaces, open flames, me-
chanically generated sparks, electrical
equipment, static electricity5 and light-
ning, there is a risk of ignition of the ex-
plosive atmosphere.
The prevention of explosions in storage
facilities is focussed in particular on the
avoidance of potentially explosive at-
mosphere and the elimination of igni-
tion sources.
The formation of an explosive at-
mosphere can be prevented by sto-
rage of dangerous goods in approved,
tightly sealed containers. Additional
measures must be taken, such as re-
gular controls of tightness, prohibi-
37
tion of open handling and precauti-
ons against damage of containers by
dropping or by transportation. If the
risk assessment reveals that a leakage
of flammable substances cannot be
reliably excluded, the formation of an
explosive atmosphere has to be taken
into account. Should this happen, the
has to be restricted by adequate ven-
tilation. This ventilation must be effec-
tive in the entire room, and, especially,
close to the floor, where the vapours
of flammable liquids or gases may ac-
cumulate as most of them are heavier
than air. The ventilation, for instance,
can be activated and controlled by a
gas detection device.
In areas where explosive atmospheres
can occur, ignition sources such as
open fires, smoking, hot surfaces, sta-
tic electricity, sparks and non-explosi-
on-proof electrical equipment must
be avoided.
5 Electrostatic charges have to be expected in
the case of fluid leakage, when walking with isola-
ted shoes and in the case of the charging of non-
grounded objects.
38 I V S S | S T O R A G E O F C H E M I C A L S 39

7 SPECIAL STORAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR HAZAR-

DOUS SUBSTANCES WITH SPECIFIC PROPERTIES

Labelling Important elements of identification

This chapter complements the general

Transportation regulation
REQUIREMENTS
requirements for the storage of chemi- According regulations
cals with specific measures for specific for transportation on
hazards. The measures described do not road, rail, sea or by
airplane, with the UN Symbol
replace the need to perform a risk as-
rules as a base. For the
sessment as described in Section 4.2. road transportation in
SPECIAL STORAGE

Europe, this is ADR,

For a safe storage of chemicals it is related to dangerous
essential to have a comprehensive classes6. UN 1170 UN-number
knowledge on the hazardous properties.
Important initial information can be ob-
tained from the symbols on the package
Hazard pictogram
labelling. This may - as shown by the
example of ethanol be organized in According to the
terms of different legal frameworks: Globally Harmonised
System (GHS), where Hazard Signal Word
hazardous substances
are classified in 28
Hazard Phrase

Chemical regulation
hazard classes7.
H225: Highly (H-Phrase)
flammable liquid Precautionary
and vapour. Statements
(P-Phrase)

Symbol
According to
Directive 1999/45/EC
on the classification
of mixtures. It is still F Symbol Letter
applicable until
mid-2017. Risk Phrase
R11:
(R-Phrase)
Highly
Safety Advice
flammable.
(S-Phrase)
6 Other transportation (e. g. sea- or inner sea journeys) use different risk and dangerous goods information,
but the picture/symbol information as such is the same one in use.
7 In Europe the GHS is applied through the Directive (EG) No. 1272/2008 (CLP-Directive).
40 I V S S | S T O R A G E O F C H E M I C A L S 41

7 SPECIAL STORAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR HAZAR-

DOUS SUBSTANCES WITH SPECIFIC PROPERTIES

NOTE: Within the transporta- 7.1 TOXIC CHEMICALS AND

tion rules small packages are not labelled,
following the so-called limited-quantity
control, but one of symbols shown here.
In this case the relevant information must
be taken from the respective Safety Data
LQ
Sheet. the unborn child).
CMR- SUBSTANCES
Toxic chemicals can cause serious health CMR substances are carcinogenic (can-
damage or even lethal effects in very low
amounts.
cer causing), germ cell mutagenic or re-
pro-toxic (may impair fertility or harm

The safety data sheet provides detailed

information on the dangers associated Labelling elements Dangers
with a hazardous substance. Therefore it
should always be used for evaluation.

(Very) toxic, life-threatening by inge-

stion, inhalation or skin contact.

Labelling elements Dangers

May cause cancer.

May cause genetic defects.
May damage fertility
or the unborn child.
May cause damage to organs.

Special Measures:

Chemicals with these classifications permanently visible with the prohibition

must be under lock and key, or stored so sign No access for unauthorized per-
that only qualified people have access. sons.
The restricted access must be clearly and
42 I V S S | S T O R A G E O F C H E M I C A L S
7 SPECIAL STORAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR HAZAR-
DOUS SUBSTANCES WITH SPECIFIC PROPERTIES
7.2 GASES AND AEROSOLS
(AEROSOL PACKAGING)
Among the gases and aerosols are:
compressed gases dissolved gases
liquefied gases flammable gases
refrigerated liquefied gases toxic gases
Labelling elements Dangers
Gases under pressure may explode
when heated.
Refrigerated liquefied gases can
cause cold burns or injuries.
In case of rupture in a fire or due
to an accident gas bottles can
become devastating projectiles,
which can fly over several hundred
meters.
NOTE: If gases and ae-
rosols are also toxic or flammable,
additionally, the instructions in the
relevant chapters have to be taken
into account when developing a sto-
rage concept.
43
Special Measures: Aerosols and compressed gas
cartridges
Compressed gas containers must be se-
cured against tilting or falling. The valves Aerosols and compressed gas cartridges
must be protected with a suitable de- must not be warmed above 50 C by ex-
vice, for instance, with a protective cap posure to sunlight or any other heat
or basket. source. Therefore, the storage of such
Gases are best stored outside buildings. items in shop windows is not allowed.
If they are kept in rooms, these must
have adequate ventilation. Warning
signs should make aware of the suffoca-
tion hazard.
In order to prevent the dangerous accu-
mulation of gases, no pits, trenches or
basement entrances should be in the
area where gases, which are heavier
than air or which are liquefied, could
spread in case of a leakage.
Refilling pressurized gas containers in
storage areas is not permitted.
For particularly hazardous gases such as
chlorine and ammonia, additional safety
measures must be taken.
44 I V S S | S T O R A G E O F C H E M I C A L S
7 SPECIAL STORAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR HAZAR-
DOUS SUBSTANCES WITH SPECIFIC PROPERTIES
7.3 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
Vapours of flammable liquids and va-
pours can cause fires, deflagrations and
explosions.
Labelling elements
Special Measures:
It is mandatory to clarify, whether flam-
mable liquids or vapours could be re-
leased and form explosive mixtures with
air. When the risk of the release exists, ex-
plosion protection measures are always
necessary.
For all combustible liquids special atten-
tion has to be given to the retention faci-
lities (Chapter 6.3) and fire fighting
measures (chapter 6.6).
Dangers
Liquids may be
(extremely) flammable.
Explosion.
NOTE: In chapter 6.8 the basic
measures for explosion protection in the
storage areas are shown. Further details on
the comprehensive necessary measures
can be taken from the ISSA brochures
about explosion protection.
7.4 FLAMMABLE SOLIDS
Combustible (flammable) solids have a
burning rate, which can range from slow
glowing to rapid combustion. Dusts of
Labelling elements
Special Measures:
It is absolutely mandatory to clarify, whe-
ther dusts/powders of flammable or
combustible solids may be released and
45
flammable solids can form explosive at-
mospheres when mixed with air and for-
ming dust clouds.
Dangers
Flammable solids
form explosive mixtures with air. Re-
leased powders and dust deposits must
always be removed immediately.
46 I V S S | S T O R A G E O F C H E M I C A L S
7 SPECIAL STORAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR HAZAR-
DOUS SUBSTANCES WITH SPECIFIC PROPERTIES
7.5 PYROPHORIC SUBSTANCES
Pyrophoric substances react violently
with oxygen. The reaction is so fast that
they immediately catch fire when ex-
posed to air.
Labelling elements
Special Measures:
Pyrophoric substances must be stored at
defined temperatures. The temperature of
the stored goods must be controlled. Hea-
ting, for instance, by sunlight should be
avoided. Therefore outdoor storage is not
recommended.
SELF-HEATING SUBSTANCES
Self-heating substances are heated in
contact with oxygen without external
supply of energy, and they may ignite
and catch fire after an extended period
of time (hours or even days).
Dangers
Catches fire spontaneously
if exposed to air.
Self-heating; may catch fire.
Special Measures:
Self-heating substances must not be
stored; if it is suspected that the packaging
has been damaged during transportation.
Due to their high fire risk, these chemicals
should be stored separately (i.e. in a sepa-
rate fire compartment) if possible, or tog-
ether with non-flammable chemicals.
7.6 CHEMICALS, WHICH EMIT
FLAMMABLE GASES
TOGETHER WITH WATER
Some chemicals react violently with wa-
ter, forming flammable gases, which can
then be ignited.
Labelling elements
Special Measures:
The stored goods have to be protected
from moisture. Particular care must be
taken with fire protection measures. Sui-
table extinguishing agents have to be
provided and a warning sign indicating
this special hazard must be posted.
47
Dangers
In contact with water releases
flammable gases which
may ignite spontaneously.
These chemicals are usually stored sepa-
rately (in a separate fire compartment).
To dissipate gases that are produced
with atmospheric moisture/humidity,
the storage room must be well ventila-
ted.
48 I V S S | S T O R A G E O F C H E M I C A L S
7 SPECIAL STORAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR HAZAR-
DOUS SUBSTANCES WITH SPECIFIC PROPERTIES
7.7 OXIDIZING SUBSTANCES
Oxidizing agents are chemicals that can
support a fire without air supply. In a fire
increase the burning rate and thus cause
a fast spread of the fire. They may react
Labelling elements
Special Measures:
Oxidizing agents (H272) may be stored
only in certain conditions with flammab-
le chemicals and materials such as pac-
kaging, pallets and fillers. These conditi-
ons must be taken from the safety data
sheets and national regulations or they
may result from a risk assessment.
Spilled oxidising chemicals should not
come in contact with combustible ma-
violently with other stored goods as well
as with packaging material and trigger
spontaneous fires.
Dangers
(Strong) oxidizer
May cause or intensify fire
(or explosion)
terials e.g. during clean-up). A safe remo-
val is usually possible by dissolving oxidi-
zers with plenty of water or with a sui-
table binder such as diatomaceous
earth, sand or cement.
Strongly oxidizing chemicals (H271)
must be stored separately in an own fire
compartment.
7.8 CORROSIVE CHEMICALS
Dangerous/Hazardous substances with
corrosive properties can damage the
Labelling elements
Special Measures:
Among the corrosive chemicals are par-
ticularly acids and bases. These classes of
substances react with each other, some-
times under intense heat release. There-
fore they must be stored in separate
areas. This may also be in the same fire
compartment, if the mixing is prevented
in the case of a leakage (for instance, by
separate drip pans).
49
skin, eyes and respiratory system and
corrode metals.
Dangers
Causes severe skin burns
and eye damage.
May cause respiratory irritation.
May be corrosive to metals.
Due to the strong reactivity, the risks of a
combined storage with other chemicals
have to be considered with great care.
Drip pans must be made of acid-or alka-
line resistant material.
For chemicals that generate highly irrita-
ting fumes, adequate ventilation has to
be ensured.
50 I V S S | S T O R A G E O F C H E M I C A L S 51

7 SPECIAL STORAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR HAZAR-

DOUS SUBSTANCES WITH SPECIFIC PROPERTIES

7.9 LIQUIDS WITH

ENVIRONMENTAL
DANGEROUS PROPERTIES

Some chemicals can have serious effects

on environment when released.

Labelling elements Dangers

Very toxic or harmful

to aquatic life.

Special Measures:

For the storage of water polluting che-

micals often regional regulations must
be taken into account.
During storage of these liquids, it is espe-
cially important that they cannot end-up
in surface or underground water in case
of a release. The retention facilities must
be made of materials that are resistant to
the chemicals stored.
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